We don't know if that's what the city should do yet. We don't need to know that yet. In fact, it's likely voters would have to approve another ballot measure for any specific plan for the city to provide broadband.

What we do know is we like the idea of a little motivation for Comcast to improve its service.

Comcast is the most dominant broadband provider for Greeley residents right now, and at times, the service and the prices reflect their domination of the market. Many others seem to agree with us. Residents in 28 counties and 68 cities have already agreed to let their governments have that option.

City Manager Roy Otto said, as a result, Comcast is promoting higher-end internet service across the state. This is the benefit of a free market: It encourages companies to provide the best service possible.

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Right now we don't have that free market. Allowing the city to get the green light to provide that option would be a good first step. We hope voters agree in November.

— Tribune Editorial Board

EDITOR’S NOTE: This opinion article was corrected to point out that Comcast is among several broadband providers in Greeley. The original article incorrectly stated that Comcast is the only provider. Other providers for residential customers include Century Link, Dish, Rise Broadband and Windstream.